The Old Mutual Wealth Double Century, taking place on Saturday, 22 November 2025, remains one of South Africa’s most distinctive cycling challenges. Rather than rewarding the strongest individual athlete, the 12-person team time trial format demands collective discipline, careful pacing, and tactical intelligence. Teams must balance aggression with restraint, pushing when the route allows and conserving energy when the long day takes its toll. Victory is rarely about one standout rider; it is about a group functioning as a single, synchronised unit over 202 demanding kilometres.
A Route That Punishes Overconfidence
The race begins and ends in Swellendam, with the route packing in 2 200 metres of climbing. The first 65 kilometres trend steadily upward, taking teams over the Tradouw and Op de Tradouw passes. While the scenery through the Klein Karoo is spectacular, the early climbs can drain riders if they go out too fast. A brief opportunity to reset comes at the first support zone in Ashton after 115 kilometres.
From Ashton, the course changes character completely. Fast descents feed into a smooth, flat stretch along the R60 toward Robertson, before tracing the Breede River to Bonnievale at the 160-kilometre mark. But every team knows the sting in the tail lies ahead. The final run to Swellendam includes the feared Three Sisters, steep ramps that have shattered many well-structured teams within sight of the finish. The Double Century cannot be won early, but disciplined riding in the first half is the foundation of every successful campaign.
Men’s Race: RH77 Factory Racing Set the Benchmark
The men’s event once again centres around RH77 Factory Racing, the disciplined and exceptionally strong outfit that claimed the title in 2024. Guided by Rene Haselbacher and powered by the likes of Johnny Hoogerland, Daniel Loubser and Felix Ritzinger, the team arrives with the experience and depth to challenge the course record of 4 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds, which has stood since 2017.
Their closest opposition is likely to come from Realty Dynamix and Stars Racing, who both finished on the podium last year. Several other squads, including ASAP Cycling, the Rouleur Tritans and the Road Warriors, bring competitive depth. The 226ers also enter with significant firepower, led by experienced riders such as Marc Pritzen, Casper Kruger and Christiaan Janse van Rensburg.
Women’s Race: ASAP Ladies Target a Third Title
In the women’s event, the ASAP Ladies are again the favourites as they chase a third consecutive victory. Although captain Tarryn Povey is sidelined with injury, the squad retains most of its 2023 and 2024 winning core, including Corli de Bruyn, Almari de Milander, Nicola Freitas and Tiffany Keep. Their cohesion makes them the team to beat.
Nana Cycling Club, who impressed on debut in 2024 despite a late crash, now return with experience and renewed confidence. ChemChamp Ladies4CANSA Racing and CHALK-AIR WC / CMC Ladies are also expected to contend for podium places.
Mixed Category: A More Complex Contest
The mixed category promises tight racing, with defending champions ChemChamp Pro-Mixed starting behind several strong rivals, including Pink Pony Club, Pretty Casual, STS Racing and a motivated University of Cape Town team that will benefit from cooler early-morning conditions. Giant/LIV also pose a threat, strengthened by the experience of Oliver Munnik and the athletic versatility of IRONMAN champion Jessica Hayes-Hill.
A New Atlantic Seaboard Champion Guaranteed
The unofficial competition for “Kings of the Atlantic Seaboard” will see new winners in 2025, with last year’s champions, Mother Amateur Bicycle Club, opting not to defend their title. Pure Savage, East City Cycles and LPC now form the core rivalry, with LPC boosted by high-profile riders Jasper Stuyven and Nicolas Roche.
Weather and Final Factors
Light morning rain is expected in Swellendam, but conditions should warm as the race progresses. A moderate southeasterly wind may play a decisive role, especially in the final stretch from Bonnievale to Swellendam, where it presents a challenging headwind.
